In early 2020, the Library had started the process of drafting a new Strategic Plan. The work was paused for the Board and staff to focus on our response to the pandemic.
In August 2022, the Library conducted a community survey to see how we can improve our services to our community. This survey was the first step in updating our strategic plan. We had over 520 responses. And, I’m happy to report that most of our survey respondents are satisfied with the services the Library provides.
Our survey responders want more of all the things that the Library provides. Most survey takers (42%) also visit the Library once a week. More than 360 survey takers are interested in expanding our Library of Things collection, as well as having more special STEM programs. Additional study areas and comfortable seating were also a top request.
In addition, survey takers want to learn more about the services that they didn’t know we had. We are committed to effectively promoting our resources and services, and will work creatively to expand our reach to the community.
After the survey results, library staff and board met to consolidate the information into the adopted plan. We settled on four goals to focus on during 2023-2025.
Goal 1
- Refresh the library’s building interior to attract new patrons, expand opportunity to use the library space, and most effectively use available physical space.
Goal 2
- Strengthen targeted marketing and communications efforts that build upon the community’s existing awareness of what the library has to offer.
Goal 3
- Optimize library offerings to increase their accessibility and efficacy within the lives of patrons
Goal 4
- Expand internal capacity to continually improve library services for the Deerfield community.
We are excited to meet our new goals, and the work has already begun. The input from our community, whether it be the 2022 survey, email, or in-person is invaluable. It takes a Village to make a great library.
